Is Dumbeast Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2009)

📖 The Core Premise

Dumbeast returns to the screen in 2009, bringing a fresh narrative to the Comedy genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "How hard is it to kill an idiot? Just ask Kudo Kankuro! The acclaimed screenwriter brings his 2004 Kunio Kishida-winning stage play Donju (a.k.a. Dumb Animal) to the big screen in all its wacky tragicomedic glory. The one and only Asano Tadanobu sports a seriously nerdy bowl haircut to play the leading role of simple-minded novelist Dekogawa who has mysteriously disappeared. Dekogawa wrote an autobiography about his youth that reveals not only his past, but also some of his childhood friends’ best-forgotten secrets. In order to keep the skeletons in the closet, these buddies of yesteryear try to silence him permanently. But no matter how hard they try to kill Dekogawa, he just keeps coming back – because he’s simply too thickheaded to die!"

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Tadanobu Asano shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Dumbeast worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2009, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Dumbeast is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 106 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.